Clinton lashes out at China's Internet attacks

For Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, open access to the Internet is a critical component of U.S. foreign policy--a means for the U.S. to communicate with the world and for people all over the globe to access information and connect with each other. In a speech last week, Clinton lashed out at China for censoring its Internet, and for its cyber attacks against Google, warning that an attack on one nation's computer networks "can be an attack on all."

"Those who disrupt the free flow of information in our society or any other pose a threat to our economy, our government and our civil society. Countries or individuals that engage in cyber-attacks should face consequences and international condemnation," she said.

Google has charged that it was the victim of a sophisticated attack by the Chinese. Clinton called for China to investigate the accusation, and said the United States supported Google in defying the Chinese government's requirement that it censor the contents of its Chinese-language search engine.

"Censorship should not be in any way accepted by any company from anywhere," Clinton said. "American companies need to take a principled stand. This needs to be part of our national brand."

China has denied any role in penetrating Google's computer system, calling the charges "groundless and unprofessional."

Besides sending a warning to China, Clinton cited Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia, Vietnam and Uzbekistan as countries that restrict Internet access or persecute those who use the web to circulate unpopular ideas.

For more on the Internet and foreign policy:
- read this New York Times article
- check out this story on China criticizing Hillary
- read this article on China defending its cyberwall

Related Articles:
China and U.S. tie as Internet attack source
Chinese attacks on U.S. military jump